Topical Minoxidil Exposures and Toxicoses in Dogs and Cats

.Topical minoxidil is a medication for hair loss, since 1996 it has been available as an over-the-counter product. According to a retrospective study in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association by Kathy C Tater, Sharon Gwaltney-Brant and Tina Wismer pet owners should be educated on the risk of dog and cat toxicosis from accidental minoxidil exposure.
Cat exposure was unintentional and usually while their owner was applying minoxidil for his/her own hair loss. The cat licked the owner's skin or pillowcase, or the pet was splashed during a medication spill
Dog exposure commonly happened because of exploration behavior, meaning searching through trash.
Clinical signs occurred in dogs and cats even with low exposure amounts, such as drops or licks. In patients that developed clinical signs, most developed moderate or major illness. Death occurred in 12.9% of cats that developed clinical signs after the pet owner's minoxidil use.
Avoidance is the best plan. Other commonly used human medication can also cause toxicosis in our pets such as hormone replacement therapies, and topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
Signs & symptons of cat poisoning

• Coughing
• Drooling/Salivation
• Seizure or twitching
• Difficulty breathing (labored or rapid)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Signs & symptions of dog poisoning

• Agitation
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Seizures
• Heart problems
• Diarrhea
• Kidney failure